What is the “Other” in memory Xiaomi Redmi and how to clean it without harming the system

Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi Redmi’s storage settings and found that the mysterious “Other” section is tens of gigabytes long? MIUI, This article will not only explain what is in the Other, but also show 5 proven ways to clean this section from standard tools. MIUI Up to Hidden Commands for Experienced Users.

The problem is that even after removing unnecessary photos, videos and apps, the Other section continues to grow. Why? The system automatically reserves up to 30% of internal memory for update cache, error logs and temporary application files — and this data is not displayed in the standard file manager.+ With 256 GB of memory, the “Other” can take up to 20-30 GB, and on budget models like Redmi. 10A — Critical 5-10GB, leading to lags and errors».

We tested all methods on current firmware MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) And we've discovered which ones actually work and which ones are a myth, and for example, the popular "clean up cache through recovery" advice on modern Redmi is not only useless, it's also dangerous: it can erase data. /data Instead, we're going to focus on safe ways that don't require root rights or disrupt the system.

What’s hidden under the “Other” item in Xiaomi Redmi memory

The Other section is the Android junk box, where the system drops anything that is not explicitly categorized as Apps, Media or Documents.

• 📁 Application and system cache – temporary files that are created to speed up the operation of programs (for example, the cache of Google Play Services or the cache of Google Play Services). MIUI Launcher).
• 🔄 Residual files after deleting applications – not all programs completely clear their data when uninstalled (games like Genshin Impact or the likes of the game are especially guilty). PUBG Mobile).
• 📊 System Logs and Error Dumps –.log and.dmp files that are created when crashes occur (e.g. when crashes occur). MIUI Camera or Google Chrome).
• 🔗 Symbolic links and metadata – file system service information F2FS/ext4, which is visible to the user but not visible to the user.
• 📥 Unfinished downloads – files that have started to download but have been interrupted (for example, via Mi Browser or Telegram).
• 🔒 Encrypted data – files that are protected MIUI (For example, backups of Mi Cloud or Secure Folder data).

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI The “other” section also includes:

• 🎨 Themes and wallpapers – downloaded via Themes App but not used (can weigh up to 500MB).
• 🔊 Sound Packages – Custom Call and Notification Melodies.
• 📡 Module data MIUI — For example, the cache of Second Space or App Lock.

To understand exactly how much space each file type takes up, you can use hidden statistics. MIUI. For that:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the line version of MIUI to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Memory item. → Details of the storage.

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If there's more than 15GB in the "Other" section, that's a reason to clean up. on new Redmis (like Redmi). K70) The system automatically cleans the cache once a week, but on older models (for example, Redmi). 9T) You have to do it manually.

Why the Other Grows Over Time and How Dangerous It Is

The main reason for the Other is the Android architecture, which is not optimized for long-term use, and every application, even the system one, creates temporary files, but doesn't always delete them.

• 📱 MIUI Launcher caches icons and widgets (up to 1 GB per year).
• 🌐 Google Chrome saves page thumbnails and WebView data (up to 500 MB).
• 🎮 Games like Call of Duty Mobile leave behind shader files (up to 2-3 GB).

On Xiaomi devices there is another feature: the shell MIUI Actively uses data compression (technology) ZRAM), It also creates additional temporary files in the section. /data. This speeds up the system, but over time, the "garbage" accumulates. 11 Pro+ After a year of use, the "Other" may take up to 12–15 GB – and this despite the fact that the user regularly cleans the cache!

How dangerous is that?

The critical point comes when the Other takes up more than 20 percent of the total memory. In the case of the Redmi 12 with 128GB, it's a very big one. ~25GB: In this case, the system automatically deletes user data (photos, videos) to make room for work.This is due to Android’s Low Storage Notifier mechanism, which prioritizes system processes over user files.

Method 1: Clear cache of all applications (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to clear the cache of all installed applications, which will not delete your data (photos, messages, game saves), but will free up from 1 to 5 GB of space.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Scroll down the list and click Clear cache for each application from the top-10 sized.
4. To speed up the process, use a search for keywords: cache, google, miui.

Pay special attention to these applications (they often “clog” memory):

• 📱 MIUI Launcher (cash icons and animations)
• 🌐 Google Play Services (up to 1 GB)
• 🎵 Mi Music/Spotify (Cache of Album Covers)
• 📷 MIUI Gallery (miniature photos and videos)
• 🎮 Google Play Games (cache of games)

If you clean the cache manually laziness, use the built-in tool MIUI:

1. Open Security. → Cleanup.
2. Press Deep Cleanup.
3. Select the app cache and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear application data (Clear data) - this will delete all your settings, logins and saves. cache (Clear cache) is secure!

Method 2: Delete unnecessary files through MIUI File Manager

Xiaomi’s standard file manager can find and delete hidden files that are in the Other section.

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Go to the Cleaning tab (broom icon).
3. Choose Deep Clean and wait for the scan.
4. In the results, pay attention to the categories: 🗑️ Residual files – remnants of remote applications. 📄 Large files – forgotten downloads and backups. 🔍 Duplicates – Repeated photos and documents.

Delete

Storage analysis (available in the MIUI 14+):

1. In Files, go to the Warehouse tab.
2. Slip the memory usage chart.
3. The system will show a detailed report, including hidden files in the Other (for example, Android WebView cache or Mi Cloud data).

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode (see Section 1).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
5. Run the command to clear the cache of all user applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -f 1000000000 (This will clear the cache larger than 1 GB).
6. To delete residual files (remains of deleted applications) use: adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job
7. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, check the “Other” section in Settings. → Memory: This method usually frees up 3 to 7 GB on full devices.

For power users: If you are confident in your actions, you can manually view the contents of the folder. /data (where most of the junk files are stored:

1. Enter in. ADB: adb shell
2. Check out the list of the largest folders: du -h -d 1 /data | sort -h
3. Delete unnecessary files (e.g. Google Play cache): rm -rf /data/data/com.android.vending/cache/*

⚠️ Note: Delete files through ADB without understanding their purpose may result in data loss or failure MIUI. Do not delete the system, vendor or boot folders!

Method 4: Reset the cache via Recovery Mode (carefully!)

If previous methods have failed, you can try to clear the cache through Recovery Mode, which is suitable for all Redmi models, but requires caution: improper actions can erase user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power buttons. + Loud up and hold for 10 seconds until the logo appears MI.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (English/whale).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Reboot your phone (Reboot → System)

What this operation does:

• ✅ Clears the cache of all applications (including system).
• ✅ Deletes temporary update files MIUI.
• ✅ Resets data Dalvik-Cache (accelerates the system operation).

What it doesn't do:

• ❌ Does not delete user files (photos, videos, documents).
• ❌ Does not reset settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts).
• ❌ Does not affect the data of applications (save games, chats in Telegram).

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Cleaning the cache through Recovery is the most effective way to free up 5-10 GB in the Other section, but it should not be used more than 1 time every 2-3 months.

New Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K60) Recovery has added Repair Storage, which fixes file system errors. If the cache is cleaned, try it:

1. In Recovery, select Advanced → Repair Storage.
2. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (it may take 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option (Factory Reset) will completely reset the phone to factory settings!

Method 5: Disabling Unnecessary System Applications

Many pre-installed applications MIUI (Bloatware works in the background, creating cache and logs, which can't be deleted without root rights, but you can turn off, which reduces the volume of "Other" by 1-3 GB.

The list of the most “gluttonous” system applications on Xiaomi Redmi:

How to disable unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Show all the applications.
3. Find an unneeded app (like Mi Browser).
4. Click Disable (Do not "Delete"!).
5. Confirm the action.

After the shutdown:

• 🔄 The app will stop updating and working in the background.
• 🗑️ The cache will be automatically cleaned by the system in 3-5 days.
• 🔒 You can turn it back on at any time.

For mass shutdown, use ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB.
2. Enter the command to disable Mi Browser: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
3. Similarly, disable other applications (a list of packages can be found on the XDA Developers).

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Shutdown MIUI Analytics (com.miui.analytics) will stop sending usage statistics, which will reduce background traffic and log size.

How to prevent the “Other” from being refilled

To prevent the “Other” section from growing again, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Regular cache cleaning: Once a month, run Security → Cleanup → Deep cleaning.
• 📥 Download Control: Delete unnecessary files from the Download folder and clear history in Mi Browser/Chrome.
• 🎮 Games: In game settings (e.g. Genshin Impact) disable shader caching.
• 📷 Camera: B MIUI Camera disable Save thumbnails and Auto-optimize photos.
• 🔒 Updates: In Settings → The phone. → Update system to disable boot over Wi-Fi if memory runs out.
• ☁️ Cloud: Set up an automatic photo upload to Mi Cloud or Google Photos to free up space.

Nana MIUI 14+ The “Light Mode” function appeared, which reduces the background activity of system processes:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Easy Mode.
2. Turn on the option and select Optimize Memory.

For Redmi users with 128GB of memory or less, it is helpful to set up automatic cleaning:

1. Open Security → Cleanup → Settings.
2. Turn on Auto Cleanup and set a schedule (e.g. every Saturday).
3. Check Cash, Residual Files and Large Files.

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If the Other takes up more than 10 percent of the memory, it's time to clean it up. Optimal 3-5 percent of the total.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” in the memory of Xiaomi Redmi